Preliminary data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) shows a 4 percent decrease in workplace fatalities in the Golden State last year.

California suffered 448 worker deaths last year, compared to 465 in 2005, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and California's Division of Labor Statistics and Research. However, the 2006 figure is preliminary; BLS revised upward its 2005 California count, from 453.

Transportation incidents accounted for the largest number of California fatalities in 2006, at 167, up slightly from 2005, followed by falls, which were up sharply, at 87, versus 59 in 2005. Contact with objects and equipment was the third leading cause of death, at 72, down from 76 in 2005. The fourth-highest fatality source, assaults and violent acts, was down 30 percent at 61, versus 87 the previous year. Exposure to harmful substances incidents (45) were down from 51 in 2005.

Nationally, there were 5,703 fatal work injuries in 2006, down slightly from a revised total of 5,734 in 2005.

Look for a complete report on the CFOI data in the Aug. 17 edition of Cal-OSHA Reporter.